The Ripple Effect: Lessons Learned About Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Clinicians Responding to the September 11th Terrorist Attacks

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) symptoms experienced by mental health clinicians who treated clients for issues related to
the terrorist attacks of 9/11 were intense and unprecedented. An exploratory study, using qualitative techniques as the primary
information gathering method, was conducted to gain a better understanding about “indirect” exposure to terrorism. Twenty-six
mental health clinicians participated in this research effort. As part of this study, questions regarding STS were explored.
STS levels among clinicians who provided care to victims of 9/11 were high 30 months after the attacks. Most clinicians lacked
experience providing disaster relief mental health care. Availability of supervision and agency support was described as “weak;”
however, peer support was deemed helpful. Over the past decade, progress has been made in addressing STS issues. Implications
are included for social work practice, disaster mental health administration, funding sources and policy. Recommendations
for future research are identified.